As winter weather has officially arrived in many areas of the U.S., most of us bundle up without a second thought before we step outside and brace for the brisk air. Unfortunately, there are too many kids who don’t have this luxury. For the past three years, Direct Energy has supported the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle Up initiative in the Pittsburgh, PA region.

Thanks to Direct Energy’s Community Investment Council, the company donated $5,000 to the cause and coordinated employee volunteer shopping days to help needy kids shop for their winter coats and accessories at two Pittsburgh, PA-area Kmart locations. I partook in one of the shopping events and was humbled by the experience, as I can’t imagine kids not having these necessary items to get through the harsh winter weather.

Each year, the Salvation Army partners with Pittsburgh’s WPXI News Channel 4 for their telethon. This year, I had the pleasure of presenting a check from Direct Energy to the Salvation Army on-air on December 6.

Next time you bundle up for the blustery winter weather, consider helping those kids who aren’t able to do the same.

This post was written by Andrea Romo, External Relations Specialist for Direct Energy in Pittsburgh, PA.